Not far from the big mountain town of Banff you’ll find the under the radar ski resort known simply as Panorama. It’s a name whispered between locals on the Powder Highway and known for regular consistent snowfall that keeps the resort in pristine shape all season long.
Here’s what the locals don’t want you to know about.
Lift lines
Locals love the lift lines, or lack of them, though with 2847 acres of terrain, we think there’s plenty of snow to go around.
Variety of terrain
75% of the ski area is dedicated to beginners, intermediates and advanced intermediate so if you’re loved ones are just embarking on the greens and the blues or are at a time of their skiing life when their knees prefer comfort then Panorama is for you. Though don’t be fooled, the 25% dedicated to advanced and expert is off the hook. The 750 acre all black run Taynton Bowl is a former heli ski area that is now in bounds, patrolled and avalanche controlled.
Canada’s highest heli skiing
1500 square kilometres in the 3000m+ peaks of the Purcell Mountains welcomes heli skiers with Panorama partner, RK Heli Ski. The heli ski company has been operating in these parts for over 50 years offering day trips with seriously impressive runs with some of the highest altitude drop offs in Canada with skiers and boarders of a similar ability.
Hot pools of pleasure
You can practically ski right into the hot springs at Panorama, though we recommend taking your ski boots off before plunging into the soothing waters to unwind after a thigh burning day.
Invermere on the Lake
A mere 20 minutes down the road from Panorama sits Invermere on the Lake, a lakeside mountain community in the Columbia Valley filled with restaurants utilising local produce, artisan shops, bakeries and even a German deli. Indulge in local products from Kicking Horse Coffee, Arrowhead beer, Dave’s Hot Pepper Jelly, Saunders Family Farm preserves, Anchor Organics and Om Organics skin care.
You can also skate on the lake and there is even a free shuttle from Panorama throughout the winter.
Easy to get to
Fly into Calgary and drive just over three hours through the stunning Banff and Kootenay National Parks.
The deal
Ski Max Holidays have 30% off accommodation at Panorama for travel between January 1 and February 2 and March 1 to April 16. Book and pay before November 15 and ski Panorama from AU$1115 per person for seven nights twin share in a studio room at Panorama Springs with a six day Panorama lift pass. Check out Ski Max Holidays Panorama web page for more.
